Hey everyone! I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with switching to plant-based paints. I’ve chosen ECOS Paints for my living room project because of their commitment to sustainability and non-toxic ingredients. However, I’m a bit stuck on the best way to prepare my walls for this new paint. I’ve heard that preparation is key, especially with natural paints, to ensure they adhere well and last longer.
In the past, I’ve used AFM Safecoat for a smaller project and loved the results, but I didn’t pay much attention to surface prep then. This time, I want to do it right. My walls are currently painted with a conventional paint, and I’m wondering if I need to sand them down completely or if a good cleaning will suffice. Also, has anyone used a primer with ECOS Paints, or is it unnecessary?
I’m particularly curious about how different surfaces (plaster, drywall, previously painted walls) affect the preparation process. And, of course, any tips on making this process as environmentally friendly as possible would be greatly appreciated. Let’s share our experiences and help each other out! What’s your go-to method for prepping surfaces for plant-based paints?
Hey @EcoPainter88! Great choice on the ECOS Paints! From my experience, surface prep is indeed crucial. For walls previously painted with conventional paint, a thorough cleaning with a mild, eco-friendly detergent should suffice. However, if the surface is glossy, a light sanding can help the new paint adhere better. I didn’t use a primer with ECOS Paints and the results were fantastic, but it might depend on the wall condition. Good luck with your project!
I’ve used ECOS Paints on both plaster and drywall. For plaster, I found that filling any cracks or imperfections with an eco-friendly filler before painting made a huge difference. On drywall, a good cleaning was enough. I agree with @GreenThumb99 about the sanding on glossy surfaces. It’s a bit of extra work but definitely worth it for the finish.
Thanks @GreenThumb99 and @NatureLover23 for the tips! I’ll make sure to give my walls a good clean and consider light sanding. It’s reassuring to hear that a primer might not be necessary. I’m excited to see how it turns out!
Just a quick tip from my side - when cleaning the walls, make sure they are completely dry before applying the ECOS Paints. Moisture can affect the paint’s adherence and finish. Also, using a microfiber cloth for cleaning can help remove dust without leaving lint behind. Happy painting!
Great advice @SunnyDays47! I’ll keep that in mind. I’m planning to start the project this weekend, so I’ll make sure everything is dry and clean. Thanks!
I’m curious, has anyone tried using ECOS Paints on wood surfaces? I’m thinking of repainting some old furniture and wondering if the prep work differs from walls.
@LeafyGreen55, I’ve used ECOS Paints on a wooden bookshelf. The key is to sand the surface lightly to remove any gloss and ensure it’s clean and dry. The paint adhered beautifully and the finish was smooth. Just make sure to use a fine-grit sandpaper to avoid scratching the wood.
I’ve been using plant-based paints for a while now, and I can’t stress enough how important surface prep is. For walls previously painted with conventional paint, I always start with a thorough cleaning using a mild, eco-friendly detergent. Then, I lightly sand the surface to remove any gloss and ensure the new paint adheres well. I’ve used ECOS Paints without a primer on properly prepped surfaces, and the results were fantastic. It’s all about the prep work!
Interesting point about the eco-friendly filler for plaster. I’ve had mixed results with ECOS Paints on drywall without sanding, but I guess it depends on the condition of the wall. I usually go for a light sanding regardless, just to be safe. Has anyone tried using a natural primer before applying ECOS Paints? I’m curious if it makes a significant difference in coverage or durability.
I’m all for skipping the primer if the surface is in good condition. I’ve painted over old paint with ECOS Paints after just a good clean and light sanding, and it turned out great. But, I do think the type of surface plays a big role. For example, on new drywall, I’d definitely use a primer to seal it first. It’s all about assessing the surface and deciding what it needs.
I’ve found that the key to a successful paint job with plant-based paints is patience. Rushing the prep work can lead to disappointing results. I always take my time to clean, sand, and fill any imperfections. I haven’t used a primer with ECOS Paints, but I’ve heard good things about their adhesion. Maybe next time I’ll give it a try to see if it enhances the finish.
I agree with the importance of surface prep, but I also think the environmental conditions play a role. I’ve noticed that painting in high humidity can affect how well the paint adheres, regardless of how well you prep the surface. Has anyone else experienced this? Maybe it’s worth considering the weather forecast before starting a painting project.
I’ve used ECOS Paints on a variety of surfaces, and I’ve found that their performance can vary. On plaster, I had to do a bit more prep work, including using a natural primer, to get a smooth finish. On drywall, a simple clean and light sanding were enough. I think it’s all about understanding the surface you’re working with and adjusting your prep accordingly. Also, using eco-friendly cleaning and prep materials makes the whole process more sustainable.
I’ve used ECOS Paints before and found that a good cleaning is usually enough, especially if the existing paint is in good condition. Sanding can help with adhesion, but it’s not always necessary. For primer, I skipped it and the paint still looked great. Just make sure the walls are clean and dry, like you said. Also, using a dehumidifier in the room can help speed up the drying process if you’re in a humid area.
Interesting point about the microfiber cloth. I hadn’t thought about lint being an issue. I usually just use a damp sponge. But I agree, drying is crucial. I learned the hard way that painting over even slightly damp walls can lead to peeling. Another tip for eco-friendly prep is to use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and water. It’s effective and doesn’t leave any harmful residues that could affect the paint.
I’ve used ECOS Paints on a wooden bookshelf last year, and it turned out great! The key is in the prep. I sanded the surface lightly to remove the old finish and then wiped it down with a damp cloth to get rid of the dust. I didn’t use a primer, but I did apply two coats of the ECOS paint for even coverage. The paint adhered well and has held up nicely over time. Just make sure your furniture is completely dry before you start painting.
Interesting question! I haven’t tried ECOS Paints on wood, but I did use a similar plant-based paint on a wooden chair. I found that using a primer specifically designed for wood made a big difference in how the paint adhered and the overall finish. It might be worth looking into a primer that’s compatible with ECOS Paints if you’re going for a high-quality, durable finish on your furniture.
I went the extra mile when I used ECOS Paints on my wooden kitchen cabinets. After sanding, I applied a shellac-based primer to seal the wood and prevent any tannins from bleeding through. Then, I used ECOS Paints for the topcoat. It was a bit more work, but the cabinets look amazing, and the paint has been super durable, even in a high-traffic area like the kitchen.
I’ve recently embarked on a journey to make my home more eco-friendly, starting with switching to plant-based paints. I’ve chosen ECOS Paints for my living room project because of their commitment to sustainability and non-toxic ingredients. However, I’m a bit stuck on the best way to prepare my walls for this new paint. I’ve heard that preparation is key, especially with natural paints, to ensure they adhere well and last longer.
Great choice on the ECOS Paints! From my experience, surface prep is indeed crucial. For walls previously painted with conventional paint, a thorough cleaning with a mild, eco-friendly detergent should suffice. However, if the surface is glossy, a light sanding can help the new paint adhere better. I didn’t use a primer with ECOS Paints and the results were fantastic, but it might depend on the wall condition. Good luck with your project!